tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34422481913932869192018-03-02T08:14:50.811-08:00H.S. ContinoOfficial Author's BlogHSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125HsContinohttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-15129383237272445962017-06-18T12:01:00.002-07:002017-06-18T13:32:40.469-07:00In the News...<!-- x-tinymce/html -->Hello everyone!<br /><br />I hope you're all enjoying your summer. It's been gorgeous here on the Oregon coast over the past few days.<br /><br />As a ship/shipwreck enthusiast, news articles relating to ships and shipwrecks (both past and present) always draw my attention. I've decided that in the future I'd like to periodically write a blog post that includes a list of online articles and their links. The theory is that if someone has read and enjoyed my books then there's a good chance that they'll find these online articles interesting.<br /><br />There have actually been quite a few maritime related articles in the news over the past week. For instance, I found this article from the Oregonian last night:<br /><br /><a href="http://trib.al/m50nUW8" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Debris that could be from a 100-year-old shipwreck found on Oregon coast</a><br /><br />The article talks about an interesting piece of wood that washed ashore on Cannon Beach. They reported that the piece of wood is 18 feet long and weighs several hundred pounds. Based on the square nails, notches, and cut-outs in the wood, it's possible that it came from a wooden ship built in the 1800's.<br /><br />It's going to take more research and consulting with experts-- and we may never know for certain which ship it came from-- but, it's still a pretty cool find!<br /><br /><br /><br />On a sadder note, I've been following the story in the news of the collision between a Navy destroyer and a container ship:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/16/politics/us-navy-destroyer-collides-with-merchant-ship-japan/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">US Navy Destroyer Collides with merchant ship</a><br /><br />Collisions are on my list of the top three <em>worst</em> things that could happen at sea. As you're probably aware, container ships are enormous. Fortunately, the navy destroyer, the USS <em>Fitzgerald</em>, was sturdily built.<br /><br />They're still investigating, but from what I can tell from the newspaper articles and photographs, it looks like the ships got lucky. Collisions are always bad and can potentially cause both ships to sink. Fortunately, in this situation, although both ships sustained damage and will need repairs, neither sank. Things could have been a lot worse.<br /><br />When I first read about the accident, they reported that seven US sailors were missing. I had been holding out hope that by some miracle they would be found alive.&nbsp;Sadly, when I checked for an update on the story last night, I learned that the bodies of the sailors had been found inside one of the flooded compartments of the ship.<br /><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/us-navy-ship-collides-merchant-vessel-off-coast/story?id=48092522" rel="noopener" target="_blank">US Navy ship collides merchant vessel off coast</a><br /><br />My condolences go out to the friends and family members of these sailors.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/traumatic-collision-that-killed-sailors-almost-sank-destroyer-navy-says/2017/06/18/74e99d20-53ed-11e7-be25-3a519335381c_story.html?utm_term=.0ba263343348&amp;wpisrc=nl_az_most&amp;wpmk=1">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/traumatic-collision-that-killed-sailors-almost-sank-destroyer-navy-says/2017/06/18/74e99d20-53ed-11e7-be25-3a519335381c_story.html?utm_term=.0ba263343348&amp;wpisrc=nl_az_most&amp;wpmk=1</a><br /><br />As&nbsp;someone that has spent a lot of time researching maritime history, I know that the outcome of this tragic accident could have been much worse. I'm grateful for the lives that were saved-- on both ships.<br /><br />~~ H. S. Contino<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/bKsJgE2hI5Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2017/06/in-news.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-29358096323405387422017-05-20T17:16:00.001-07:002017-05-20T17:16:10.278-07:00Shipwrecks of Curry County-- Official Press Release<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let the countdown begin...</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRxo-dHP9yY/WSDb9-iYvWI/AAAAAAAAAwI/XviSEBV_JXUeX6tUDvU6pP9cLax4m7dbACLcB/s1600/Shipwrecks%2Bof%2BCurry%2BCounty%2BPress%2BRelease%2BJPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRxo-dHP9yY/WSDb9-iYvWI/AAAAAAAAAwI/XviSEBV_JXUeX6tUDvU6pP9cLax4m7dbACLcB/s640/Shipwrecks%2Bof%2BCurry%2BCounty%2BPress%2BRelease%2BJPG.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/gazLOg3-b6Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2017/05/shipwrecks-of-curry-county-official.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-19163743726260526042016-07-31T11:11:00.001-07:002016-07-31T11:11:13.810-07:00Exciting Announcement-- New Book!Good morning! <br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xT6THxZxjA/V54-1Qa6VCI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/DtlpfppjJBIuVI1VRW2If41npjITTyyMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xT6THxZxjA/V54-1Qa6VCI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/DtlpfppjJBIuVI1VRW2If41npjITTyyMwCLcB/s320/IMG_3955.JPG" width="240" /></a>A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Arcadia Publishing. Due to the success of my book "Shipwrecks of Coos County," we began discussing the possibly of my writing a second local history book for their "Images of America" series. I chose to wait to make an announcement until we reached an agreement. <br /><br /> I'm excited to announce that I'm currently under contract to write a follow up book titled "Shipwrecks of Curry County." The new book will basically pick up where the other one left off. It'll continue discussing shipwrecks along the Oregon coastline beginning just south of Bandon and continuing to the Oregon-California state line.<br /><br />Although Curry County is smaller than Coos County, many of its settlements are older. There are several geographical similarities between the coastlines in both counties that make them particularly treacherous for ships (especially early in their history). But, there are also several features that make Curry County unique. I will be discussing both in the new book. There are also some amazing Curry County shipwreck stories. For instance, it was the location of one of the last American ships to be torpedoed off of the Oregon coast by a Japanese submarine during World War II. Fortunately, most of the crew survived. There are some amazing photographs related to the incident. <br /><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X01O4gBkueQ/TfVujpoBLSI/AAAAAAAAAEo/M5xhGD88z7AfTrL9K8l3zWoSsV9VeuH-ACKgB/s1600/100_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X01O4gBkueQ/TfVujpoBLSI/AAAAAAAAAEo/M5xhGD88z7AfTrL9K8l3zWoSsV9VeuH-ACKgB/s320/100_3066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tentatively, we're looking at a <strong>July 2017</strong> release date for "Shipwrecks of Curry County." The retail price will be<strong> $21.99</strong>.<br /><br /> Please e-mail me or leave a comment on this post if you'd like to pre-order a copy of the new book. I'd be happy to e-mail you when the book is released and mail you a signed copy.<br /><br /> I'll also be lining up several shipwreck talks/book signing events within both Coos and Curry counties for next summer and fall. I'll post more information as the publication date gets closer.<br /><br /> Thank you all for your continued support of my writing career.&nbsp;I couldn't do it without you!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-8uwR2AW0/VKRehipu-ZI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Cl9_b8DoqSYySP06ah5HBKpU4ZHKBMzzwCKgB/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-8uwR2AW0/VKRehipu-ZI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Cl9_b8DoqSYySP06ah5HBKpU4ZHKBMzzwCKgB/s200/Books.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <br />Woo-hoo! Time to roll up my sleeves and do some local history research!<br /> <br /><br /> ~~ H. S. Contino<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/t_QfpYHeXpc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2016/07/exciting-announcement-new-book.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-59329193156160468782016-05-15T16:20:00.000-07:002016-05-15T16:24:07.764-07:00New Author BlogHello!<br /><br />As most of you already know, I've been using Blogger for more than five years. Unfortunately, over the past year they have made more and more changes to the webpage that have made using Blogger for my author and crafting blogs&nbsp;a nightmare. The changes make the webpage freeze up on a regular basis while I'm attempting to create new posts. In addition, ever since they merged with Google, the webpage regularly kicks me out of my Blogger account and logs me into my pre-existing Google account instead. In the process, lots of my posts-in-progress have been lost. It's been incredibly frustrating.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knCIb_n04u0/TTe4OG203-I/AAAAAAAAACo/x8oMKPFmjQQhjoZl_i6EfB4cpHD6nXk4ACKgB/s1600/owl%2Breading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knCIb_n04u0/TTe4OG203-I/AAAAAAAAACo/x8oMKPFmjQQhjoZl_i6EfB4cpHD6nXk4ACKgB/s200/owl%2Breading.jpg" width="191" /></a>After months of fighting with the updated Blogger, I've decided to wave the white flag. I give up! This will be my last post on this blog.<br /><br />For now on, you can find me at my newly created author blog on Word Press. The new web address is:<br /><br /><a href="https://hscontino.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">HS Contino on WordPress</a><br /><br />I hope that all of my regular followers will follow me to the new web page.<br /><br />As always, thank you for your continued support of my writing. I really appreciate it!<br /><br />Best wishes!<br /><br />~ H. S. Contino<br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/OOCyeA_DL58" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2016/05/new-author-blog.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-45744536562116783802016-05-03T11:46:00.001-07:002016-05-03T11:46:27.345-07:00Green Acres Grange SaleHowdy!<br /><br />Just a friendly reminder, this weekend is the Green Acres Grange Flea Market and Craft Fair. The market will be held on <span data-offset-key="1krao-0-0"><span data-text="true">May 6th and 7th (Friday and Saturday) at the Green Acres Grange Hall. It is open to the public from&nbsp;9 am until 4 pm.</span></span><br /><div data-contents="true"><div data-block="true" data-editor="fsmo9" data-offset-key="bbi3-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bbi3-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bbi3-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span><br /></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fsmo9" data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><span data-text="true">There'll be a variety of vendors including both handmade crafts and affordable used items. There is also a small kitchen where they sell affordable hot lunches. They usually have donuts or muffins in the morning as well.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bt0ih-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'll be there with my books and a variety of handmade crafts. I also know that my friend, Jo Quackenbush, will be there with her "Crochet Blessings." She makes wonderful crocheted hats, scarves, and necklaces.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fsmo9" data-offset-key="1l06a-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1l06a-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1l06a-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span><br /></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fsmo9" data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><span data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><span data-text="true">Come check it out! Mention this blog post and I'll give you 10% off your purchase at my booth.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><span data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><span data-offset-key="eb9et-0-0"><span data-text="true">~~ H.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaRrK3SRnv4/Vyjx8sVD31I/AAAAAAAAAeg/Zr3oqHzMbccdPyDaQBfhs79HQwJBxT8tQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9457%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaRrK3SRnv4/Vyjx8sVD31I/AAAAAAAAAeg/Zr3oqHzMbccdPyDaQBfhs79HQwJBxT8tQCLcB/s400/IMG_9457%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/A1K9UVIQt80" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2016/05/green-acres-grange-sale.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-33926807969972811782016-04-02T17:09:00.006-07:002016-04-02T17:09:51.820-07:00Camp NaNoWriMoGreetings!<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24RijPuMZkQ/VwBcLpwileI/AAAAAAAAAdA/dpzOeL674ZAlPLMSdmK3XAm8mePucsBWA/s1600/nano_logo-830912ef5e38104709bcc38f44d20a0d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24RijPuMZkQ/VwBcLpwileI/AAAAAAAAAdA/dpzOeL674ZAlPLMSdmK3XAm8mePucsBWA/s1600/nano_logo-830912ef5e38104709bcc38f44d20a0d.png" /></a>As many of you already know, I'm a big fan of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I've been participating every November for several years now. I love the online camaraderie and I tend to work better under a deadline. I find having the time limit of only 30 days to complete the rough draft of a novel with a minimum word count of 50,000 words to be extremely motivating.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBxYvEZTRHo/VwBcCrsIxJI/AAAAAAAAAc8/NpOBnH74urcK7Our_c8kRnXsVmDOYSsoQ/s1600/2013-Participant-Campfire-Circle-Badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBxYvEZTRHo/VwBcCrsIxJI/AAAAAAAAAc8/NpOBnH74urcK7Our_c8kRnXsVmDOYSsoQ/s1600/2013-Participant-Campfire-Circle-Badge.png" /></a>NaNoWriMo was so popular that for the past few years the non-profit group that runs it has also been hosting smaller "Camp NaNoWriMo" events in April and July each year. Camp is fun because it's much more laid back. They also give you the option of choosing your word count goal, so you don't have to commit to the full 50,000 words if you don't have to.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBxYvEZTRHo/VwBcCrsIxJI/AAAAAAAAAc8/NpOBnH74urcK7Our_c8kRnXsVmDOYSsoQ/s1600/2013-Participant-Campfire-Circle-Badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBxYvEZTRHo/VwBcCrsIxJI/AAAAAAAAAc8/NpOBnH74urcK7Our_c8kRnXsVmDOYSsoQ/s1600/2013-Participant-Campfire-Circle-Badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br />I'm excited to announce that I was able to convince my supervisors at the North Bend Public Library to host weekly "write-in's" at the library throughout the month of April. So, if you're interested in writing, please feel free to join us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6sRnvqbs-o/VwBdmS6KONI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Z1KqpykloAkjLzqjPt8GrmdG45CM5anuQ/s1600/north%2Bbend%2Bpublic%2Blibrary%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6sRnvqbs-o/VwBdmS6KONI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Z1KqpykloAkjLzqjPt8GrmdG45CM5anuQ/s1600/north%2Bbend%2Bpublic%2Blibrary%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></div><h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camp NaNoWriMo at the </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">North Bend Public Library!</h3><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">When: Wednesdays from 4-6 pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where: North Bend Public Library-- Meeting Room</div><div style="text-align: center;">1800 Sherman Avenue</div><div style="text-align: center;">North Bend, OR 97459</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first write-in will be this Wednesday, April 6th. It's going to be a lot of fun. There'll even be snacks! So, if you're in the area, please feel free to join us!</div><br />Happy Spring!<br /><br />~~ H. S. Contino<br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/GhRrfVTvNBg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2016/04/camp-nanowrimo.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-34054436330937852412015-11-26T11:16:00.001-08:002015-11-26T11:16:15.493-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<h2 style="text-align: center;">I'd like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. </h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">May your day be filled with love, laughter, and loads of food!</h2><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g_q3GtubO0/VldabTb0hGI/AAAAAAAAAcg/G5cSFhNAuGM/s1600/house%2Bclip%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g_q3GtubO0/VldabTb0hGI/AAAAAAAAAcg/G5cSFhNAuGM/s1600/house%2Bclip%2Bart.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/md0SUnEy5ig" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2015/11/happy-thanksgiving.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-71244682887902305092015-11-15T15:55:00.001-08:002015-11-15T15:55:22.902-08:00NaNoWriMo 2015!It's November, do you know what that means? It's National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo)!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWrWcWJB_zM/VkkYVRwn5cI/AAAAAAAAAbc/tRpg3H1T4hI/s1600/nano_logo-830912ef5e38104709bcc38f44d20a0d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWrWcWJB_zM/VkkYVRwn5cI/AAAAAAAAAbc/tRpg3H1T4hI/s1600/nano_logo-830912ef5e38104709bcc38f44d20a0d.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write the rough draft of a novel with a minimum total word count of 50,000 words. The catch is that you've only got the 30 days in November to write it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhNRwhSs5rA/VkkY1im1HcI/AAAAAAAAAbk/eAuy2WobLAA/s1600/nanowrimo_05_120x240.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhNRwhSs5rA/VkkY1im1HcI/AAAAAAAAAbk/eAuy2WobLAA/s1600/nanowrimo_05_120x240.png" /></a></div>This is often affectionately referred to as "30 Days and 30 Nights of Literary Abandon."<br /><br />I've participated in NaNoWriMo every November since 2011. I enjoy the challenge, the company (the web page is full of forums and chat rooms where you can chat with fellow writers, offer advice, vent frustrations, and share the writing experience).<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Noisy Neighbors</span></h2><br />This year, I'm attempting to finish a (very) rough draft of a science fiction novel. I'm calling it "Noisy Neighbors." It'll be a while before a polished draft that's ready for publication, but I'm enjoying the mess and struggle that comes with composing the first draft.<br /><br />My current total word count is 38,682. So, slowly but surely, I'm getting there.<br /><br />Alright, enough procrastinating! Time for me to get back to work! Back to the writing cave I go!<br /><br />For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">www.NaNoWriMo.org</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqSm0TzxgnE/VkkaldGbTCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/fvi9jNeFn9I/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqSm0TzxgnE/VkkaldGbTCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/fvi9jNeFn9I/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqSm0TzxgnE/VkkaldGbTCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/fvi9jNeFn9I/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqSm0TzxgnE/VkkaldGbTCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/fvi9jNeFn9I/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />﻿<br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2WwEAgiGn8/VkkalXN7SmI/AAAAAAAAAb0/PXXAMv3jS0A/s1600/Winner-100x100-2%2Bnanowrimo%2B2012.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hmm, I seem to have lost my 2013 winner badge...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2JprxPkLr8/VkkamPzmCyI/AAAAAAAAAcE/W9RY2EOxeEQ/s1600/Winner-2014-Twitter-Profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2JprxPkLr8/VkkamPzmCyI/AAAAAAAAAcE/W9RY2EOxeEQ/s200/Winner-2014-Twitter-Profile.png" width="200" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/Ripoz-g4IP4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2015/11/nanowrimo-2015.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-6655459129554263882015-09-25T18:34:00.000-07:002015-09-25T18:34:18.941-07:00Upcoming Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s1600/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s320/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h4>5th Annual Florence Festival of Books</h4>Saturday, September 26, 2015<br />Florence Events Center<br />10 am until 4 pm<br /><br />This annual event gives the public a chance to meet local authors and purchased signed copies of their books. The number of participants increases every year. If I remember right, there were around 60 authors in attendance last year. There are also usually a few publishers. So, if you're interested in becoming a published author, feel free to visit those booths to learn more.<br /><br />There are usually events spaced out throughout the day including book and poetry reading, live music (usually a piano player), and the kitchen sells a variety of lunch options.<br /><br />I'll have all four of my published books available in my booth. Please, stop by and say "hi."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.florencefestivalofbooks.org/">www.FlorenceFestivalofBooks.org</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.eventscenter.org/">www.eventscenter.org</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSwxC9zaNg/VgX19BIxoNI/AAAAAAAAAbA/ZQCPVKbVqjg/s1600/Coos%2BHistory%2BMuseum%2BLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSwxC9zaNg/VgX19BIxoNI/AAAAAAAAAbA/ZQCPVKbVqjg/s320/Coos%2BHistory%2BMuseum%2BLogo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h4>1st Annual Oregon Authors Day</h4>Saturday, October 10th, 2015<br />Coos History Museum<br />10 am until 3 pm<br /><br />The museum will be hosting its first annual Oregon Author Day in the newly constructed building on Front Street in Coos Bay. Come visit with some of your favorite local authors and check out the shiny new building. At least a dozen local authors will be in attendance. They'll be representing both non-fiction and fiction genres.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cooshistory.org/">www.cooshistory.org</a><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/UPFUOHh-iFY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2015/09/upcoming-events.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-41654947013176883962015-05-10T12:52:00.001-07:002015-05-10T12:52:53.956-07:002015 Market SeasonHello everyone!<br /><br />I hope you're all enjoying the wonderful spring weather that we've had here on the Oregon coast over the past few weeks. I know all the sunshine and warmth has made the plants in my garden happy. It seems like nearly everything is either budding or blooming right now.<br /><br />This post is a little late, but the 2015 farmers market season kicked off last week.&nbsp;I'm happy to report that my first few markets were all successful. As usual, I brought my combination of handmade crafts and my books. We had a few rain showers on Wednesdays and of course there's the charming Oregon "breeze" (read: wind gusts), but my fellow vendors and I didn't let these complications stop us. The market manager at the Coos Bay Farmers Market said that she had the most vendors that she's <em>ever</em> had on opening day. <br /><br /><strong>I'd like to send out a heartfelt thank you to all of the people that visited local farmers markets over the past week. Your support means a lot to both myself and my fellow crafters, bakers, and farmers.</strong><br /><br />For the 2015 market season, I've had to cut back on the number of markets I attend. I'll be cutting back to two regular farmers markets per week plus a few festivals and other special events throughout the summer.<br /><br /><br />The following is my current 2015 market schedule:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyoepTB4blg/VU-ypKK7QVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/tY4YouxOLm0/s1600/coos%2Bbay%2Bfarmers%2Bmarket%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyoepTB4blg/VU-ypKK7QVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/tY4YouxOLm0/s1600/coos%2Bbay%2Bfarmers%2Bmarket%2Bposter.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Coos Bay Farmers Market</strong>-- every Wednesday on Central Avenue from 9 am until 3 pm. The largest local farmers market.<br /><br />My booth is located in front of the quilt shop, Threads that Bind, on the first block. I'll be there every week (weather permitting) from May until October.<br /><br />Coos Bay has a smaller Sunday market that begins in August and runs through the end of October. This market is located in the parking lot of the Coos Bay visitor center. I'm going to try to attend this market as well this year, but I may not be there every week. It depends on how hectic my week has been (I have a 2nd job in addition to running my crafting business).<br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJWoyLucFh8/VU-zk7LRgMI/AAAAAAAAAaI/kyMlLma2Lrw/s1600/IMG_6570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJWoyLucFh8/VU-zk7LRgMI/AAAAAAAAAaI/kyMlLma2Lrw/s320/IMG_6570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Coquille Valley Farmers Market</strong>-- every Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm. This market is located at the old mill site in Coquille. The old buildings have been torn down, so we set up in the large grassy field. <br /><br />I'm planning on setting up at this market on <em>most</em> Saturdays this season (weather permitting). I will be missing a few weeks in order to attend other Saturday events.<br /><br />Market runs from May until the middle of September each year.<br /><br />Directions-- If you're heading east on highway 42, turn right at the first traffic light. The market sets up in the grassy field down the hill on the right. If you're heading west, it'll be the last traffic light and you'll be turning left.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Green Acres Grange</strong>-- The Green Acres Grange hosts a two day sale several times a year. The vendors are usually a mix of crafters, farmers, and people selling second hand items. There's always a variety of different items available for sale. The grange also has a small kitchen. They usually have coffee, muffins, and donuts available in the morning. In the afternoon, you can purchase an affordable hot lunch (burgers, fries, sandwiches). <br /><br />Do to my busy schedule, I'm only planning on attending on the Saturdays this year (the markets are Fri-Sat). Doors open at 9 am and close at 4 pm.<br /><br />Directions: From Coos Bay head south on highway 101. At the juncture, turn left onto highway 42. Just past the small store on "Confusion Hill" turn left (be on the look out for the Green Acres sign). After crossing the railroad tracks, turn right and follow the windy road for half a mile or so. The grange will be on your left side.<br /><br />I will be set up at the Green Acres Grange on the following Saturdays:<br /><br /><strong>August 1st</strong><br /><strong>October 3rd</strong><br /><strong>December 5th</strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5GBvFMep5U/VU-x3skleSI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/aDkgfcXmPoI/s1600/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5GBvFMep5U/VU-x3skleSI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/aDkgfcXmPoI/s320/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Florence Festival of Books</strong>-- This annual event will be held at the Florence Events Center on Saturday, September 26th. I'll be there with signed copies of all of my published books. Each year, the event grows and they add more activities. I'll write an additional blog post with more details when the event gets closer.<br /><br /><br /><br />And, that's it for now. I'll continue to add updates and I schedule more events throughout the season. Cross your fingers that 2015 is a great market season!<br /><br />As always, thank you for supporting my little crafting business.<br /><br />~~ Hannah <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/_UVafn5gL9I" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2015/05/2015-market-season.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-87786896657112346692015-02-21T10:51:00.000-08:002015-02-21T10:51:17.006-08:00Purchasing BooksHello!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-8uwR2AW0/VKRehipu-ZI/AAAAAAAAAYg/--SlCcfZ9f0/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-8uwR2AW0/VKRehipu-ZI/AAAAAAAAAYg/--SlCcfZ9f0/s1600/Books.jpg" height="174" width="200" /></a>Here on the Oregon coast we've been fortunate to enjoy-like weather for the past week or so. Meanwhile, according to the news, much of the rest of the country has been experiencing an especially cold, a cold, snowy winter. Sorry guys! Here's hoping the rest of the country begins to thaw out soon.<br /><br />During the past few weeks, I've had several different people ask me where they can purchase my books. Since it discusses local history, my shipwreck book is available for purchase at most of the local museums and&nbsp;visitor centers (along the southern Oregon coast). Several local businesses stock the book including Books by the Bay.<br /><br />If you're from outside of the area or if you'd prefer to purchase an autographed copy of any of my books, you can buy a copy directly from me through my Etsy shop, Reprieve's Corner. Now through the end of February is the perfect time to make a purchase because I'm offering a 20% off discount on all orders through my Etsy store. Simply enter the coupon code "Love20" while checking out. The Valentine's Day special expires February 28th, 2015.<br /><br />As always, thank you for visiting my blog and helping support my writing career. Your support means the world to me.<br /><br />~ H. S. Contino, author<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X01O4gBkueQ/TfVujpoBLSI/AAAAAAAAAEo/kLUfk0cWkPE/s1600/100_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X01O4gBkueQ/TfVujpoBLSI/AAAAAAAAAEo/kLUfk0cWkPE/s1600/100_3066.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wreck of the <em>Sujameco</em> on Horsfall Beach, 2010.</div><br /><br /><span id="goog_41018360"></span><span id="goog_41018361"></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/oopj9WB2sLQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2015/02/purchasing-books.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-19350481788109242682014-12-31T12:40:00.004-08:002014-12-31T12:40:55.076-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knCIb_n04u0/TTe4OG203-I/AAAAAAAAACo/zEWFHTZMUic/s1600/owl%2Breading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knCIb_n04u0/TTe4OG203-I/AAAAAAAAACo/zEWFHTZMUic/s1600/owl%2Breading.jpg" height="200" width="191" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hi!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy new year! May 2015 be filled with lots of happy new memories, time spent with friends and family, and lots of books!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">~~ H. S. Contino</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-8uwR2AW0/VKRehipu-ZI/AAAAAAAAAYc/m1E1sIWTc4E/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-8uwR2AW0/VKRehipu-ZI/AAAAAAAAAYc/m1E1sIWTc4E/s1600/Books.jpg" height="174" width="200" /></span></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/ARU8gT2uN0c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2014/12/happy-new-year.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-57952887149334708462014-10-26T18:10:00.000-07:002014-10-26T18:10:03.300-07:00A Few Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello fellow bookaholics!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been a while since I updated this blog, so I decided to take a few minutes to share a few updates on my fledgling writing career.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Writing Projects</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although it's been a quiet year on the publishing front, I have spent a great deal of time working on writing projects. I have several fictional manuscripts in various degrees of completion on my hard drive. One of them is coming close to completion. I'm hoping to self publish it in the spring of 2015. I'll share more details when I'm closer to a final draft, but it's a futurist science fiction novel. I'm tentatively calling it "New World," but the title will probably change as I get closer to publication.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also been spending a great deal of time researching local history for a non-fiction project. I've been working on the manuscript for over a year; but, due to the large amount of research involved, my progress has been slow. Ideally, I'd like to eventually publish the book through a traditional publisher (since self-published history books don't tend to do well). It's just a matter of finding the right publisher. Once again, I promise to keep my readers updated as I continue to work on this project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s1600/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s1600/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" height="163" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>4th&nbsp;Annual Florence Festival of Books</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />On Saturday, September 27th, 2014, I attended the annual book festival in Florence, Oregon. Every year, the event gets bigger. This year,&nbsp;there were more than&nbsp;70 authors and seven publishers in attendance. As always, I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and chat with readers and fellow writers. I look forward to attending the event again next year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ439wgY-9M/UJhG1pLySTI/AAAAAAAAAQg/nl47-GYRH9Q/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ439wgY-9M/UJhG1pLySTI/AAAAAAAAAQg/nl47-GYRH9Q/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">November is just a few days away. I've been jotting notes in preparation for NaNoWriMo 2014. This year, I'm going to try my hand at writing a fictional romance story. But, since this is me, there'll be a twist. The story will be set slightly in the future. In addition to the romantic storyline, there will also be a 2nd storyline. It's science fiction in nature and ideally, it'll give readers something new to think about. A moral dilemma of-sorts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm tentatively calling the story "Someone That I Used to Know." My goal is to complete the rough draft during NaNoWriMo (so by the end of November). I'll then set the manuscript aside for a few weeks before returning to it with "fresh eyes" to begin the long process of editing and refining the story. I tend to go through multiple drafts before I'm ready to publish my work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always, thank you for following this blog and supporting my writing career.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~~ H. S. Contino</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/nZWnfcUyUO0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-few-updates.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-43875794907269406162014-08-31T14:14:00.001-07:002014-08-31T14:14:02.337-07:004th Annual Florence Festival of BooksHello all!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm happy to announce that I've reserved my booth at the upcoming 4th annual Florence Festival of Books. This year the event will be held on September 27th at the Florence Events Center. The doors open to the public at 10 am. The event runs until 4 pm.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s1600/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s1600/florence%2Bfestival%2Bof%2Bbooks.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This annual event is a lot of fun. It's free to the public to attend. There will be both authors and publishers available to answer questions and sign copies of their books. There'll be a combination of fiction and non-fiction writers. For additional detail, please visit the Florence Events Center webpage:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ci.florence.or.us/eventscenter/florence-festival-books-0">http://www.ci.florence.or.us/eventscenter/florence-festival-books-0</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope to see you there!﻿</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/mKhTEGi6K7I" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2014/08/4th-annual-florence-festival-of-books.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-4284842123440643342014-04-07T11:20:00.001-07:002014-04-07T11:20:54.576-07:002014 Market Season<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The 2014 Farmers Market season is almost here. Woo-hoo!&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I've been working hard lining up markets and festivals. The following is what I have so far:</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Coquille Farmers Market is under new management this year. It'll still be held on Thursdays at the Community Center, but many of the vendors will be setting up inside (in the small auditorium). The market begins this week. The hours have also changed. We'll be setting up at 10 am and open to the public from 11-3.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A different group has formed a new Saturday market in Coquille this year. It's being called the Coquille Valley Farmers Market. I'm still looking into the details. I believe the market opens next Saturday.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally, I will be returning to the Coos Bay Farmers Market. We'll be selling on Central Avenue on Wednesdays beginning in May.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will not be selling at the Bandon Old Town Marketplace this year.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm excited about the new season and I look forward to seeing everyone-- both shoppers and fellow vendors-- again soon. I'll be selling my usual combination of hand made crafts and autographed books.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As always, thank you for supporting my little business. You're all awesome people! :)</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/VCQZ0lBaexM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com1http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014-market-season.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-12545710894666527202013-12-31T12:21:00.001-08:002013-12-31T12:21:03.575-08:00Happy New Year!Hello internet community,<br /><br />I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for helping support and encourage me and my writing career over the last year. I can't even begin to describe how much your support means to me. Thank you!<br /><br />I also wanted to wish everyone a happy and wonder filled new year!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knCIb_n04u0/TTe4OG203-I/AAAAAAAAACo/zEWFHTZMUic/s1600/owl+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knCIb_n04u0/TTe4OG203-I/AAAAAAAAACo/zEWFHTZMUic/s200/owl+reading.jpg" width="191" /></a><br />Happy 2014!<br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br />~ H. S. Contino, author<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/1RY0GstiOmI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/12/happy-new-year.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-38858151710184027582013-11-27T15:35:00.001-08:002013-11-27T15:37:09.475-08:00NaNoWriMo 2013 Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNRV8wbrxVI/UpaAYEO7aCI/AAAAAAAAAXI/OTwSZlLbBeE/s1600/2013-Winner-Facebook-Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNRV8wbrxVI/UpaAYEO7aCI/AAAAAAAAAXI/OTwSZlLbBeE/s320/2013-Winner-Facebook-Cover.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hi!<br /><br />A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) which takes place every November. I'm happy to announce that for the 3rd year in a row, I succeeded in reaching my NaNoWriMo goal. I wrote over 50,000 words in my new manuscript, a science fiction novel titled "The Surge." Woo-hoo! I'm a winner.<br /><br />However, the story has taken on a life of it's own. I hit my goal of 50K words, but the story isn't finished yet. So, I continue to plug away at it. It's a work in progress, but I'm happy with what I've written so far. Past experience has taught me that the editing process usually takes twice as long as the initial writing process, so it'll be a while before the book is available for the public to read. But, I'm excited. Writing is all about the practice after all.<br /><br />Once again, thank you all for continuing to support my writing career. It means a lot to me. Thank you!<br /><br />Oh, and since tomorrow is the big day, I'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. <br /><br />~ H. S. Contino, author in training<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/O2G_JVZ31Sg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/11/nanowrimo-2013-update.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-63675033478490428912013-11-13T12:20:00.001-08:002013-11-13T12:20:15.625-08:00NaNoWriMo 2013Happy November, everyone!<br /><br />National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is in full swing! I'm happy to report that as of 11:15 last night, I hit 30,000 words. So, I'm 3/5 of the way to my goal. Yea!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ439wgY-9M/UJhG1pLySTI/AAAAAAAAAQg/nl47-GYRH9Q/s1600/Winner_100_100_white.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ439wgY-9M/UJhG1pLySTI/AAAAAAAAAQg/nl47-GYRH9Q/s200/Winner_100_100_white.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />I look forward to NaNoWriMo each year. In addition to motivating me to roll up my sleeves and type up some of the ideas that have been percolating in my imagination, I enjoy hanging out on the NaNo webpage. Each year, thousands of writers around the world take part in NaNoWriMo. The webpage offers forums and a message center where we can chat and e-mail with each other. We can also organize local get-togethers or "write-in's" where groups of writers can get together to write and motivate each other.<br /><br />The webpage also offers pep talks and other useful features to help motivate, inspire, and encourage writers as they battle self-doubt and writer's block.<br /><br />One of my favorite features of the webpage is the "stats" section. It allows you to keep track of your word count as you write. There's a chart that helps you stay on track in order to reach the 50K word goal. There are also running tallies of how many words you've written per day, your daily average, and a prediction of when you'll finish (at your current rate).<br /><br />Now, to be clear, I'm not expecting to have a masterpiece by the end of the month. Instead, my goal is simply to have a <u>rough draft</u> of my current project. I&nbsp;love the feeling of accomplishment that I get when I complete a rough draft. I know that once I get the story to that point, I'll still have months (maybe even years) of editing, revisions, and polishing ahead of me before the book is ready for publication. However, I see completing a rough draft&nbsp;as a major milestone. Prior to that point, all I have is some mental images stored in my imagination and pages of scribbled notes in one in a notebook. But, a rough draft is a starting point. It gives me something concrete to work with.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24Osfjrg6g4/UoPbgHZgcvI/AAAAAAAAAWs/KnyDDv3Pj2U/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24Osfjrg6g4/UoPbgHZgcvI/AAAAAAAAAWs/KnyDDv3Pj2U/s320/IMG_4315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>2013 is my third year participating in NaNoWriMo. I'm tentatively calling this&nbsp;November's&nbsp;book "The Surge," and it's a science fiction story. The following is the text I created for the back cover. Just like the manuscript, the following is a rough draft. I'll edit and revise it later.<br /><br />Tentative back cover text for "The Surge":<br /><br /> <em>When the capital cities around the world are simultaneously attacked, disillusioned veteran, Lisa, assumes that a terrorist group is responsible. Instead of volunteering to help fight back, she packs her camper with supplies and heads into the woods. Using a portable radio, she monitors the progress of the war. </em><br /><em> </em><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><em>Lisa doesn't want to get involved, but things are far worse than she initially thought. As the unknown enemy continues to destroy major cities, millions of people are killed. It soon becomes clear that the enemy is not from this planet and Earth's weaponry is completely ineffective against the superior technology. </em></div><em> </em><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--><em>With the humans facing extinction, Lisa discovers an ancient secret. One that is capable of saving her planet. She realizes that she alone is capable of stopping the alien attackers; but, in doing so, she'll alienate herself even further from the people around her. The only people she's ever known.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em></em>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Please feel free to leave me feedback. "The Surge" is definitely a "work in progress" at this point!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Happy reading (and writing)!</div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/M60GPSLMz2U" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/11/nanowrimo-2013.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-1020453604909263862013-11-03T12:23:00.001-08:002013-11-03T12:23:10.443-08:00Book Sale!<span class="userContent">Hello,</span><br /><span class="userContent"></span><br /><span class="userContent">I'm excited to announce that starting on November 5th, you can purchase the Kindle version of "Paw Prints" for only .99 cents! This promotion will be only be available through Amazon.com-- one week only (the promotional price expires November 11th)!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paw-Prints-ebook/dp/B00B62FAN8/ref=la_B005JGPM58_1_5?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1383509518&amp;sr=1-5" target="_blank">"Paw Prints" on Amazon-- click here to take advantage of this sale!</a></span><br /><span class="userContent"></span><br /><span class="userContent">Happy reading!</span><br /><span class="userContent"></span><br /><span class="userContent">~ H. S. Contino</span><br /><span class="userContent"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYzZrYhr5NY/UnawnT61O0I/AAAAAAAAAWM/YMWPqGaYbLQ/s1600/Pawprints+front+Cover+REDO+with+ADJUSTED+TITLE+no+layers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYzZrYhr5NY/UnawnT61O0I/AAAAAAAAAWM/YMWPqGaYbLQ/s320/Pawprints+front+Cover+REDO+with+ADJUSTED+TITLE+no+layers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="userContent"></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/niuwX1vw1PI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/11/book-sale.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-2609822670020284982013-10-19T21:08:00.001-07:002013-10-19T21:08:07.340-07:00Win a Copy of My New Book!Hi!<br /><br />Now that my latest book, <u>Shorts</u>, has been published, I've decided to give away 1 free copy on Good Reads. I'll sign the book and give the winner the option of having the book personalized. <br /><br />Officially, the giveaway will begin on October 22nd. Readers will have a full month to enter the contest.<br /><br />For more information (or to enter the giveaway drawing):<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/68292-shorts-a-collection-of-short-fiction">https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/68292-shorts-a-collection-of-short-fiction</a><br /><br />Entering the giveaway is simple. You just need to click on the "Enter to Win" button and follow the instructions (they'll ask for an e-mail address to contact you if you win).<br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />~ H. S. Contino<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/H.-S.-Contino/e/B005JGPM58" target="_blank">H. S. Contino's Amazon Author Page</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/Aq6DJt7gZgo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com1http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/10/win-copy-of-my-new-book.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-57257040198174946572013-10-14T12:20:00.000-07:002013-10-14T12:29:16.979-07:00New Releases!Hello!<br /><br />I hope this blog post finds everyone doing well. I love this time of year. The leaves are beginning to change colors here and the nights have been getting chilly. It's the perfect weather to curl up inside by the fireplace with a good book!<br /><br />I'm happy to announce that my two latest projects are now available for sale. Both books are works of fiction.<br /><br /><strong>Crossroads: A Quirky Choose Your Own Adventure Story</strong><br /><br />This book is by far the goofiest thing that I've ever written! The story takes place in "Anytown, USA." All of the characters have quirky but accurate names like "Plain Jane," "John Doe" (brother to Cookie), and "Busy Beebe." The book is basically a screwball comedy. It's also a "choose your own adventure." Once you get to&nbsp;a certain point in the story, the readers will face a series of choices-- or crossroads-- and they can choose where they'd like to go next.<br /><br />From the back cover:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5831bWBqOd4/UlxBH-KkKNI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_GXA2jGg9Xo/s1600/Front+Cover+with+No+Layers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5831bWBqOd4/UlxBH-KkKNI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_GXA2jGg9Xo/s400/Front+Cover+with+No+Layers.jpg" width="283" /></a>"<span id="freeText16381635335423681197">Welcome to Anytown, USA, the setting of this quirky choose your own adventure story. The town is home Plain Jane who led a rather uneventful life until the day she discovered a remarkable self-help book: <br /><br />“Are you living a hum-drum life? Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Is the reality of your adult life far from the one you imagined as a child? Then look no further! The book in your hands has the power to change your life forever. Following our simple plan can break down the barriers that are keeping you from living an exciting life! You’ll never have to endure another hum-drum, boring day! <br /><br /><br />Iam Xcitin is the author of several ground breaking self-help books including Peon Me No Longer: Taking Charge of Your Life and Your Career, Are You a Doormat?, and How to Overcome Your Hum-Drum Life.” <br /><br />Plain Jane was skeptical at first. The author claimed "changing your life is as simple as changing your attitude." Could it really be that easy? <br /><br />Please, join our heroine as she chronicles a single week of her life. The story is a "choose your own adventure." Throughout the book Plain Jane will find herself at a series of crossroads. It's up to you, the reader, to choose where she'll go next or what course of action she'll take. The excitement or "boringness" of the story is entirely up to you!"</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18653461-crossroads">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18653461-crossroads</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Shorts</strong><br /><br />As the name implies, "Shorts" is a collection of short fiction that I wrote over a fifteen year period. There is a combination of short stories and poetry. Some of the entries are light hearted and fun, but some of the others are rather dark. I like to think of the latter as my "demon slaying" stories. <br /><br />From the back cover:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UfYmXTHgS0/UlxDowEBEUI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ME48xFjoG7s/s1600/Shorts+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UfYmXTHgS0/UlxDowEBEUI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ME48xFjoG7s/s320/Shorts+Front+Cover.jpg" width="231" /></a>"<span id="freeText4371812243320256455">As the title suggests, Shorts is a collection of short fiction by the author, H. S. Contino. The book contains a combination of short stories and poems that were written over a fifteen year period. The subject matter of the work is diverse. There are light hearted pieces including "Grandpa's Tall Tale," but there are also much darker pieces such as "Hindsight." Many of the stories are infused with the author's unique sense of humor.<br /><br />A firm believer that writing is a practice, Contino enjoys trying new things and tackling new challenges. She often begins her writing day with shorter "warm up" exercises before moving on to her longer works. Many of the entries in this collection are the result of writing prompts, free writing exercises, and experiments.<br /><br />The collection demonstrates the diversity of the author, a self-proclaimed "hodgepodge." It also demonstrates how her writing style has developed over the years."</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18653405-shorts">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18653405-shorts</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Both books are available on Amazon.com (retail price $10 US). Or, if you prefer to purchase a signed copy directly from the author, please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:H.S.Contino@hotmail.com">H.S.Contino@hotmail.com</a>.<br /><br />In addition, I've listed 1 free signed paperback copy of each book on Good Reads. Please follow the above links to enter the free giveaway.<br /><br />As always, I'd like to thank all of you for helping make my writing dreams a reality. Your continued support means so much to me.<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />H. S. Contino<br /><br /><a href="https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile">https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6916217.H_S_Contino">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6916217.H_S_Contino</a><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/NQ_zSWkbyAs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/10/new-releases.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-85597321915039933792013-09-30T18:17:00.002-07:002013-09-30T18:26:21.078-07:003rd Annual Florence Festival of Books<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DufNgnPFlTE/UkofdCAxToI/AAAAAAAAAUc/IMeIh3JCBFU/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DufNgnPFlTE/UkofdCAxToI/AAAAAAAAAUc/IMeIh3JCBFU/s400/IMG_3875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hi!<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm happy to report that the 3rd annual Florence Festival of Books was a success! In addition to selling books, I was able to meet and chat with the other authors and visitors to the event. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-em5MHgUAqcQ/Ukof5PDRrQI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ID0UtUQj0Yo/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-em5MHgUAqcQ/Ukof5PDRrQI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ID0UtUQj0Yo/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, our area was hit by a series of severe storms the weekend of the book fair. The bad weather made the commute to Florence and back a little bit scary, but my fellow writers and I all made it there and back in one piece!<br /><br /><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><br />I'd like to offer a heart felt thank you to all of you that braved the storm in order to attend the event and show your support for your west coast authors. It meant a lot to me-- and&nbsp;I'm sure the&nbsp;other authors and publishers would agree!--&nbsp;to see so many friendly faces and recieve so much positive feedback.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q8nhkSkYSU/UkogVZAhxiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/e03mYV7bOms/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q8nhkSkYSU/UkogVZAhxiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/e03mYV7bOms/s320/IMG_3877.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMqfHw8H9y8/Ukog3kvSDKI/AAAAAAAAAU0/YXRlcZODsvk/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMqfHw8H9y8/Ukog3kvSDKI/AAAAAAAAAU0/YXRlcZODsvk/s320/IMG_3879.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMqfHw8H9y8/Ukog3kvSDKI/AAAAAAAAAU0/YXRlcZODsvk/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMqfHw8H9y8/Ukog3kvSDKI/AAAAAAAAAU0/YXRlcZODsvk/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on">&nbsp;</div></a>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Thank you, again. I realize that it's only been a few days, but I'm already looking forward to next year's festival!<br /><br />~ H. S. Contino <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meciTLcwGdw/UkoiLSg92RI/AAAAAAAAAVA/rVcuHzx9DGs/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meciTLcwGdw/UkoiLSg92RI/AAAAAAAAAVA/rVcuHzx9DGs/s320/IMG_3880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Find me on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/H-S-Contino/202726096420154?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/pages/H-S-Contino/202726096420154?ref=hl</a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/11KBIwFpiFI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/09/3rd-annual-florence-festival-of-books.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-50147578646883411652013-09-25T08:52:00.001-07:002013-09-25T08:57:36.001-07:00Checking InHi,<br /><br />I just wanted to take a few moments to check in and give everyone a quick update.<br /><br />First, I'm excited about this Saturday's 3rd Annual Florence Festival of Books. The event is free to the public&nbsp;and the doors open at 10 am. Last year there were around 50 different authors and 2 or 3 publishers. It's a great place to meet and visit with some of your favorite local authors or chat with a publisher about getting your writing published.<br /><br />I'll have signed copies of my two published books, <u>Shipwrecks of Coos County</u> (Arcadia, 2011) and <u>Paw Prints: A Collection of Pet Stories</u> (Create Space, 2013), available for sale.<br /><br />I'm also planning on bringing a handful of "test copies" of my latest project. The fictional book is a "choose your own adventure" story. I'll be offering the books at a discounted rate in exchange for feedback. The book was a challenge to write because it's full of choices. The story changes depending on which paths the reader chooses. I'm looking for test readers to go through the book with fresh eyes and help me identify any discrepancies or other issues that I may have missed during the editing process.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS3AJL4kLLw/UkMGiigvZjI/AAAAAAAAAT4/gGqkFE-eCCg/s1600/Large+Cover+with+both+front+and+back+with+NO+Layers+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS3AJL4kLLw/UkMGiigvZjI/AAAAAAAAAT4/gGqkFE-eCCg/s400/Large+Cover+with+both+front+and+back+with+NO+Layers+FINAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />If you're interested in becoming a test reader, please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:H.S.Contino@hotmail.com">H.S.Contino@hotmail.com</a>.<br /><br />Finally, I've been lining up markets and book festivals for the upcoming holiday season. For now, I'll be attending the Coos Bay Farmers Market on Wednesdays (weather permitting!) from 9 am until 3 pm. I'll also be at the Bandon Old Town Marketplace on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am until 4 pm. I'll have both my books and handmade crafts at both of these events. I'll continue to&nbsp;update this&nbsp;blog as I schedule events. <br /><br />Have a great week! <br /><br />Thank you for your continued support of my writing career,<br /><br />H. S. Contino<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/jNyYLP2OMiI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/09/checking-in.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-34842242741564650332013-08-16T17:04:00.004-07:002013-08-16T17:04:48.560-07:00Florence Festival of BooksHi!<br /><br />I'm happy to announce that I'll be attending the 3rd annual Florence Festival of Books. The event brings together authors, readers, and publishers. It will be held at the Florence Events Center on Saturday, September 28th. The doors open at 10 am and close at 4 pm.<br /><br />Please feel free to stop by my booth to say "hello." I'll have signed copies of both of my books, <u>Shipwrecks of Coos County</u> and <u>Paw Prints: A Collection of Pet Stories</u>, available for sale.<br /><br />This will be my third year attending this event, and I'm really looking forward to it.<br /><br />I hope to see you there!<br /><br />~ H. S. Contino<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s1600/florence+festival+of+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzvP2v6s96g/TnoTNtN2qKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/pzMPKZevb3A/s320/florence+festival+of+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/ywrofavc03I" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/08/florence-festival-of-books.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442248191393286919.post-74589237447391697962013-04-16T12:52:00.000-07:002013-04-16T12:52:00.173-07:00"Author Night" Bandon Public Library Hi!<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBes6vGlqWE/UW2qrdh9fEI/AAAAAAAAASk/HyYXD7WU4Mw/s1600/Bandon+Author+Night+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBes6vGlqWE/UW2qrdh9fEI/AAAAAAAAASk/HyYXD7WU4Mw/s400/Bandon+Author+Night+Poster.jpg" width="305" /></a>&nbsp;Last night I gave a 45 minute presentation at the Bandon Public Library as part of their monthly "Author Night" series. It was an honor to be invited to speak. I'm happy to report that the event had a good turn out. I also received a lot of good feedback on my presentation. Rather than simply talking about my books, I also spent a few minutes discussing the act of writing and my own personal writing journey. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Perhaps the best indication that the night was a success, I received numerous queries during the Q and A session at the end of my presentation. The questions were engaging, and I really enjoyed the group discussion that followed.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div>I also happy to report that I was able to send several copies of my books to happy to new homes. :)<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I'd like to take a moment to thank the Bandon Library for inviting me to come speak. In particular, I'd like to thank Maureen Haggerty since she was my personal contact with the library. I'd also like to thank all of the people that attended last night's event. I really appreciated their support. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Writing and trying to get published is hard work. I feel so validated when I get invited to events like the one last night. I also enjoy meeting and chatting with my readers. Honestly, visiting with them is one of the best parts of being a writer. I love receiving their feedback-- both good and bad-- because I can then take that advice and apply it to my future work. After all, writing is a <u>practice</u>. No matter how much time I spend putting words on the page, I'll always know that I have room for improvement. I can only hope that my writing will continue to improve and evolve as I continue on my literary journey.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Thank you again!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div>~ H. S. Contino<br /> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HsContino/~4/nnJLLgT7xz8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>HSContinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09691331998964200947noreply@blogger.com0http://hscontino.blogspot.com/2013/04/author-night-bandon-public-library.html